A Gqeberha man accused of the murder of a state witness pleaded not guilty in the city’s high court to all the charges against him on Tuesday.
Ruwayne Aghoo, 29, from Arcadia, pleaded not guilty to the October 13 2019 murder of Selwyn Wentzel who was expected to testify in a separate murder case two days after he was gunned down near his home in Niekerk Street, Bethelsdorp.
According to the indictment, Wentzel was a state witness against a member of the Hondekoppe gang.
It is alleged Aghoo is also member of the gang.
He faces five counts in total, including two charges related to the contravening of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act for his alleged role in criminal gang activities as well as one count of murder and one count each for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
It is alleged that on the afternoon of October 13 2019, Aghoo became involved in an argument with Wentzel while walking in Niekerk Street.
The nature of the argument remains unclear at this stage.
The two ended up at a house in Niekerk Street, where Aghoo allegedly drew a firearm and shot at Wentzel while he was walking away.
Wentzel fled to a nearby house with Aghoo chasing after him.
Wentzel tried o enter the house and Aghoo allegedly shot at him again.
Wentzel was shot in the head and neck and was declared dead at the scene.
Aghoo was positively identified as the shooter during a photo identity parade the following day and was arrested on October 16.
The case continues.
HeraldLIVE